House tour to opens its doors in Fitchburg

FITCHBURG -- If you've ever driven by beautiful houses in the city and wondered what they look like inside, you just may get your chance Saturday.

The Fitchburg Historical Society will hold its annual Holiday House Tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a number of new participants opening their homes to the public for the day.

Historical Society President Shirley Wagner said the tour is a great way to raise money for the society and show off the city's beautiful homes in a festive atmosphere.

"This is a city that is rich with beautiful homes, and people are more than willing to open them up and show them off to other people," she said.

Most of the stops on this year's tour are historical in some way, while others are included because of their quirky nature, such as 57 Highview St., owned by City Councilor Joel Kaddy and his wife, Jean. It was originally built as a log cabin in 1976, Wagner said, and there have been many eclectic additions in slate, tile and stone since.

"It's probably one of the more unusual houses you're going to find on the house tour," Wagner said.

Other participants this year include 546 Blossom St., a 1905 Royal Barry Wills executive Cape owned by Joseph and Linda Bryne; 475 Blossom St., a 1924 Dutch Colonial originally purchased by Frederick Slattery and currently owned by Dr. Steven Manalan; 214 Mt. Vernon St., a 1960s Colonial owned by Kenneth and Betsy O'Connell; 33 Alpine Road, an 1880 Victorian farmhouse owned by Jennifer and Warren Potts; and 26 Atlantic Ave.

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, an 1887 Queen Anne Victorian designed by H.M. Francis and owned by Janice Crowley.

Other H.M. Francis-designed buildings on the tour include Faith United Church and the Phoenix building -- the Historical Society's new home -- both on Main Street.

"We're happy to be on Main Street and be able to be in our own house tour," Wagner said.

The Phoenix's front windows have been decorated with 1950s and Victorian-era themes, respectively, and many historical treasures from near and far will be on display, such as Victorian dollhouses created by 90-year-old Barbara Norton, Christmas cards from 1890 to 1910, an international doll collection donated by Marion Rice, paper dolls from Eleanor Norcross and Alice Mason, and a large, wooden toboggan made in Fitchburg that once belonged to the Crocker family.

"They rode this toboggan onto Main Street in the 1890s," Wagner said.

There will also be many trees decorated with different themes, such as the one dedicated to the old Union Station, adorned with little pieces of railroad track and old photographs, and others representing various mill industries from the city's past.

Christmas classics will be performed by the Lillie Ladies String Ensemble at the Phoenix from about 11:15 to 11:45 a.m., and again from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Tea and cookies will be available throughout the tour at the Applewild School, which is based at a mansion formerly owned by the Crocker family.

Gerry Martel has also put together 50 years of car memorabilia at Jerry's Classic Carriages at 914 Main St., which will be another stop on the tour.

Tickets for the event are $15 for society members, $18 for nonmembers when purchased before the event, or $20 the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Historical Society, Shack's, DeBonis and Davin Florist, Windmill Florist & Gifts, Elliott's Jewelers, Mill No. 3 Farmstand, Slattery's and the mayor's office.

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